Sabah's Federal Development Expenditure At 71.78 Pct As Of Oct 26

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Sabah's federal development expenditure performance has increased to 71.78 per cent as of Oct 26, up from 52.07 per cent on Aug 10 this year, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

Hajiji, when chairing the State Development Action Council (MTPNg) meeting at Menara Kinabalu here today, said a total of 291 development projects have been completed in Sabah this year including Sekolah Menengah Sains Sabah in Kota Kinabalu and Sekolah Kebangsaan Buit Hill in Penampang.

“This demonstrates that we are capable of successfully implementing development projects, and this positive performance should be sustained,” he added.

In this regard, Hajiji called on all ministries, departments and implementing agencies to intensify efforts to ensure that the remaining development allocations were optimally utilised before the end of the 2026 financial year.

He said special attention should be given to projects with substantial unspent allocations or those facing implementation constraints that could lead to delays or cause them to become ailing projects.

Hajiji added that issues related to technical approvals, land acquisition, utility relocation, procurement, and contract management must be identified and proactively addressed through effective coordination among the concerned agencies.

“For issues involving multiple ministries and agencies, clear solutions and timelines must be established and monitored until they are resolved.

“I wish to emphasise that every development allocation is a responsibility entrusted to us and must be translated into tangible benefits for the people. Approved allocations should result in facilities and improvements that the people of Sabah can feel,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hajiji welcomed the RM18.7 billion allocation for Sabah under Budget MADANI 2027, tabled on Oct 9, an increase from RM17.6 billion this year.

He said the increase reflected the Federal Government's continued commitment to addressing Sabah's development needs, particularly by strengthening basic infrastructure and improving people's well-being.

Among the major projects given priority were the implementation of Phase 1B of the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah, as well as efforts to strengthen the electricity supply system through the STATCOM System projects at Dam Road and Segaliud, Sandakan and the Southern Link Transmission Line in Sipitang.

Hajiji said the allocation of nearly RM1.3 billion to upgrade 682 dilapidated schools in Sabah and Sarawak was also an important step toward improving the learning environment and providing better educational facilities for students.

“I want all relevant ministries and agencies to make thorough preparations to ensure that every project is implemented according to the priorities and schedules set,” he said.

The Chief Minister also reminded all ministries, departments and implementing agencies to use the MTPNg meeting as a platform to find solutions to project implementation issues, rather than merely discussing the problems encountered.

“We must move beyond simply discussing problems towards taking clearer and more concrete action.

"I am confident that through close cooperation between the Federal and State Governments, as well as the commitment of all implementing agencies, Sabah's development agenda can continue to be driven sustainably and inclusively, in line with the aspirations of Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0,” he said.

He stressed that the state's development success should not be measured solely by the amount of allocations or the number of projects implemented, but by how much development improved the quality of life and ensured people's well-being throughout Sabah.

At the meeting, Hajiji also welcomed the newly appointed Sabah Federal Secretary, Datuk Zul Hadi Ahmad, and expressed hope that the Federal and State Governments would further strengthen close cooperation to ensure the effective implementation of Sabah's development agenda.

-- BERNAMA